Page 72 of When Forever Falls Apart

“Yeah, I kinda slept the wrong way, so, you know,” I reply, forcing a casual tone.

I hate lying to Billie, but I have to for now. Elliot is Eva’s older brother, and whether I like it or not, things got complicated and real fast.

“I’m sure I’ll be better tomorrow after a good night’s rest.”

My cell phone buzzes in the back pocket of my jeans, distracting me momentarily. I pull it out to see a text from Elliot on the screen.

Elliot

Just an FYI, Billie needs to leave at three today.

Elliot

I wonder how you’d taste if you were lying across the counter with your legs spread open?

My eyes widen at his text. I quickly type a response before Billie comes and finds me and wonders why I can’t wipe this smile off my face.

Me

Behave. Billie has the nose of a bloodhound. Remember, we’re just friends—no strings attached.

Elliot

We’ll see if you feel the same way after I make you come again.

I slide my phone back into my pocket, ignoring his wicked game despite the smile permanently fixed on my face. Evenif I wanted to tell Billie, I couldn’t. Last night was something I’ve never experienced before, not even with Myles. Sure, there were moments where the sex was great with him, but Elliot was next level.

And I can’t stop thinking about it.

It has to be because he is supposed to be off-limits.

With the dishes done and the last batch of donuts ready to go out front, Billie quickly finds me inside the refrigerator, doing a quick inventory, since she had mentioned we were low on a few things.

She pulls me to where the slight arch in the wall provides a window to the front of the café.

“What are you doing?” I question. “I just lost count of the milk cartons.”

“Okay, so listen to this. There’s a woman at the counter. Do you see her? The brunette.”

I glance through the window to see a beautiful woman standing at the counter, her long hair falling over her shoulders. She looks strikingly familiar, but I can’t figure out where I know her from. The way she dresses tells me she’s not from around here. The vest and matching pants look formal, almost as if she belongs in the city at a corporate job. Still, she has the face of a model. Beautiful features that would make her extremely photogenic.

“She says her name is Nicole, and guess what?” Billie continues. “She claims she’s Elliot’s girlfriend.”

I recoil slightly, a knot forming in my stomach. “Um, I thought they broke up.”

“Well, it sounds likeshedoesn’t know that. She specifically asked for Elliot, her boyfriend,” Billie informs me. All I can do is stare at the woman from behind the wall. “Elliot is hot, even if you don’t want to admit it. Of course, he ain’t single. It’s why he never dates or mentions any other women.”

“Uh, huh…”

“You need to go out there and talk to her. Get the lowdown,” Billie insists.

“What lowdown?” I ask, a sudden growl escaping my throat. “If she says he’s her boyfriend, I’m sure it’s true. Why would she lie?”

Billie shrugs. “Exactly! Now go get the tea.”

Without hesitation, Billie pushes me outside, catching Nicole’s attention. I force a smile, unsure what to say. I could start with,Hey, so I fucked your boyfriend bareback last night and got on my knees this morning. I gave him the best blow job of his life…But that seems highly inappropriate.

“Hi, I’m Maddy. I work with Elliot,” I quickly introduce myself.